At
such time the crowd has no eyes for men, everyone is occupied with the
horses. Mr. Gerzson therefore had plenty of time to scrutinize all who
were present, but look as he would he could not see Leonard anywhere.
At last he could stand the suspense no longer, and during the interval
between two races, he descended from the grand-stand, in a corner of
which he had ensconced himself in order to get a better view of the
field, and mingled in the ring with his brother sportsmen awaiting
resignedly for the expression of amazed and horrified inquiry which he
expected to see in all faces the moment they perceived him.
But how taken aback was he when the first man who cast eyes on him gave
vent to a loud: Ha! ha! ha! whereupon everybody else began laughing also
and pointing their fingers at him and exclaiming: "Why here's Gerzson!
Gerzson has come back again!"
"Have you all gone mad?" cried Gerzson, confused by this inexplicable
hubbub.
He really fancied that he had fallen among a lot of lunatics, till at
last Count Kengyelesy forced his way through the crowd towards him, put
both his hands on his hips and began to quiz him: "Well, you are a
pretty fellow!--you are a pretty squire of dames, I must say!"
"But what's the matter? What has happened? Why do you laugh?"
"Listen to him!" cried the count, turning to the bystanders. "He
actually has the impertinence to ask us why we laugh! Come, sir! where
did you leave the Baroness Hatszegi?"
"I don't see what there is to laugh at at such a question?" replied
Gerzson, in whose mind all sorts of dark forebodings began to arise.
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